Gillispie discusses Jasper, Galloway & more

Brian Eldridge

04/17/2008

This morning Kentucky coach Billy Gillispie discussed the signing of future Wildcat Kevin Galloway, and the potential departures of two current Wildcats, Derrick Jasper and Mike Williams. Gillispie also addressed rumors that apparently erroneously claimed he was interested in the Oklahoma State vacancy.

Billy Gillispie took time out on Thursday morning to address the happenings around the Wildcat program. While signing day was yesterday, the most pressing issue seemed to surround guard, Derrick Jasper.

"He is a little homesick right now," said Gillispie. "He has battled homesickness since I got here," Gillispie continued.

Jasper played only 20 of 31 possible games this year after recovering from micro-fracture surgery. He averaged 4.2 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game this year, while playing on an injured knee the entire time.

"He hasn't made any kind of decision, but we definitely need him over here. He is a leader for our team. I think he is going to be an All-Southeastern Conference type player next year if he can maintain his health," Gillispie said.

Jasper hasn't made a final decision about next season at this time.

Coach Gillispie also talked the surgeries of Patrick Patterson and Jodie Meeks. "Jodie had surgery last week in Philadelphia and they said it went fantastic," Gillispie said. "He's a little bit sore, but everything is going as scheduled," he finished.

"Patrick had surgery about two to three weeks ago," Gillispie said. "He had stitches removed last week. The initial prognosis is that it will take longer for Patrick to return than Jodie," Gillispie said.

Patterson and Meeks will be counted on to carry the offensive load for the Wildcats next year, as they are the two most proven threats on that end of the court. Meeks missed 20 games last season with multiple injuries. Patterson missed six games last season, including both post season games.

The Wildcats also officially added junior college guard Kevin Galloway to the fold yesterday when he signed his letter of intent. "I'm really excited about Kevin. He is a multi-dimensional player," Gillispie said. "He has the ability to pass the basketball and I think he will put stats up in a lot of different areas," he continued. "I think he will be a major addition to our team."

Galloway averaged 8.4 points per game along with 4.2 rebounds and 8.6 assists last year for the College of Southern Idaho. His assist average led the nation.

Gillispie also addressed another roster change for next season. "It is very likely that Mike (Williams) will look to go somewhere else because he wants to have a greater opportunity for more playing time," Gillispie stated. "I think he is going to be a really good player if he continues to improve like he did last season. But if he chooses to leave, we will be happy for him," Gillispie finished.

Gillispie also took time to talk about the rumors that he was a candidate for the Oklahoma State job. "There are always a ton of rumors," he said. "You can't ever end speculation, so I haven't ever tried," he said. Apparently, there had been no contact between the two parties. "There is no reason to address those things until they become real. It becomes real when the people that are making a decision contact a potential candidate," Gillispie said. "I don't feel like addressing it until it becomes real," he said.

Gillispie believes that the team will show a different look next season, with added depth and athleticism. "Next year, I see our team being a much more fast-paced team. I think we will have to create more stuff off our defense," he said. "We should be much more wide open offensively. Our margin for error will be greater next year."